JOHANNESBURG – President Cyril Ramaphosa tested positive for Covid-19, the Presidency confirmed on Sunday night.
According to the Minister in the Presidency Mondli Gungubele, the President started feeling ill after he left a state memorial service held in honour of former deputy president FW de Klerk in Cape Town earlier on Sunday.
Gungubele added that there was strict compliance with regulations pertaining to hand hygiene, the wearing of face masks and social distancing during the proceedings.
Ramaphosa is receiving treatment for mild Covid-19 symptoms. “The president is in good spirits but is being monitored by the South African Military Health Service of the South African National Defence Force,” Gungubele said.
He added that the president was fully vaccinated. He is in self-isolation in Cape Town and has delegated all responsibilities to Deputy President David Mabuza for the next week.
“On his recent visit to four West African states, President Ramaphosa and the South African delegation were tested for Covid-19 in all countries.”
“President Ramaphosa says his own infection serves as a caution to all people in the country to be vaccinated and remain vigilant against exposure,” Gungubele added.
Meanwhile, the ANC has encouraged South Africans to get vaccinated, with ANC spokesperson Pule Mabe saying the party wished Ramaphosa well on his recovery.
“President Ramaphosa’s courage and resolve to beat the pandemic should inspire all of us to stand together against this national disaster.
“We also wish many other South Africans who are battling with Covid-19 well. We must continue to defend each other and protect one another,” Mabe said.
The party has encouraged vaccinations so that South Africa could reach herd immunity. “We urge all South Africans to heed the call by our government to be vaccinated. It is only through mass vaccination that we will be able to achieve herd immunity and ultimately protect livelihoods,” Mabe said. – NEWS24.
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